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China’s San’ao and Taipingling Reactors Reach Criticality and Grid Connection in February 2026

Updated (2 articles)

Criticality milestones achieved at two new Hualong One sites Both San’ao Unit 1 released its first criticality control point at 12:21 pm on 13 Feb 2026 and reached sustained chain reaction at 3:08 am on 14 Feb 2026 [1]. Taipingling Unit 1 achieved its first criticality on 3 Feb 2026 and was successfully connected to the grid, delivering its first kilowatt‑hour on 13 Feb 2026 [2]. These events mark the first operational steps for the inaugural reactors of six‑unit projects in Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces.

Hualong One design underpins six‑reactor expansion plans Both plants employ the domestically developed HPR1000 (Hualong One) pressurised water reactor, with six reactors planned at each site [1][2]. San’ao’s units 1‑2 received State Council approval in September 2020 and construction permits in December 2020, while Taipingling’s units 1‑2 began construction in 2019‑2020 and received operating licence on 24 Dec 2025 [1][2]. The State Council also approved Taipingling units 3‑4 in December 2023, and construction of unit 3 started in June 2025, extending the Guangdong project toward its full six‑reactor capacity [2].

Projected electricity output promises substantial emissions cuts San’ao’s full six‑unit complex is expected to generate over 54 TWh annually, avoiding more than 16 million tonnes of coal and 51 million tonnes of CO₂ each year [1]. Taipingling Unit 1 alone is projected to produce about 8.1 billion kWh per year, preventing roughly 2.45 million tonnes of coal use and 7.48 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in the Greater Bay Area [2]. These figures illustrate the significant role of the new reactors in China’s carbon‑reduction strategy for the densely populated Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions.

Financing mixes state and private capital across the projects San’ao marks the first Chinese nuclear venture to include private investment, with Geely Technology Group holding a 2 % stake while CGN owns 46 % of the project company [1]. Taipingling’s construction cost exceeds CNY 120 billion (≈ USD 17 billion) and is financed primarily by state‑owned enterprises under China General Nuclear’s umbrella [2]. The differing ownership structures highlight a pilot of private sector participation alongside traditional state‑led funding.

Commissioning timelines set for commercial operation in 2026‑2027 San’ao Unit 1 is slated to begin electricity supply in 2026, with Unit 2 expected in 2027, followed by the remaining four reactors [1]. Taipingling Unit 1 will enter commercial operation after completing a 168‑hour commissioning test scheduled for the first half of 2026, while Unit 2 is already hot‑tested as of July 2025 [2]. Both sites aim to integrate their output into regional grids before the end of 2026, accelerating China’s nuclear capacity growth.

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Timeline

2019 – Construction of Taipingling Unit 1 begins, marking the first step toward a six‑reactor Hualong One complex in Guangdong [1].

2020 – Construction of Taipingling Unit 2 starts, expanding the plant toward its planned six‑reactor capacity [1].

Sep 2020 – China’s State Council approves San’ao Units 1‑2, the first Yangtze River Delta project to use the domestically developed Hualong One design [2].

30 Dec 2020 – The National Nuclear Safety Administration issues construction permits for San’ao Units 1‑2, clearing the way for civil works [2].

31 Dec 2020 – Concrete is poured for San’ao Unit 1, establishing the reactor’s foundation [2].

30 Dec 2021 – Concrete is poured for San’ao Unit 2, advancing the second reactor’s build schedule [2].

Dec 2023 – China’s State Council approves Taipingling Units 3‑4, extending the Guangdong site toward its six‑reactor goal [1].

Sep 2024 – Hot testing of Taipingling Unit 1 completes, confirming system readiness ahead of fuel loading [1].

Jun 2025 – Construction of Taipingling Unit 3 commences, the first of the newly approved reactors [1].

Jul 2025 – Hot testing of Taipingling Unit 2 finishes, positioning the second reactor for upcoming commissioning [1].

24 Dec 2025 – The Ministry of Ecology and Environment grants an operating licence to Taipingling Unit 1 and the NNSA approves loading of 177 fuel assemblies on the same day [1].

3 Feb 2026 – Taipingling Unit 1 achieves first criticality, initiating the reactor’s power‑generation sequence [1].

13 Feb 2026 – Taipingling Unit 1 “successfully connects to the grid and generates its first kilowatt‑hour of electricity,” delivering clean power to the Greater Bay Area [1].

13 Feb 2026 12:21 pm – San’ao Unit 1 releases its first‑criticality control point, a prerequisite for sustained chain reaction [2].

14 Feb 2026 3:08 am – San’ao Unit 1 reaches criticality, entering power‑operation mode and moving toward grid connection [2].

First half 2026 – Taipingling Unit 1 is scheduled to complete a 168‑hour commissioning test, a final step before commercial operation [1].

2026 (later) – Taipingling Unit 1 is expected to enter commercial operation, delivering an estimated 8.1 billion kWh annually and avoiding roughly 2.45 million tonnes of coal use and 7.48 million tonnes of CO₂ [1].

2026 – San’ao Unit 1 is slated to begin supplying electricity to the Yangtze River Delta, contributing over 54 TWh per year and cutting more than 16 million tonnes of coal consumption and 51 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions [2].

2027 – San’ao Unit 2 is projected to start electricity supply, completing the initial two‑reactor phase of the six‑reactor plan [2].

Future (post‑2026) – Taipingling Units 3‑4 continue construction, with the plant ultimately targeting six reactors and a total investment exceeding CNY 120 billion (≈ USD 17 billion) [1].